The six principles that guide the therapeutic methods and modalities of naturopathic medicine include:

• Primum non nocere -- First Do No Harm
  Naturopathic medicine uses therapies that are safe and effective.
• Vis Medicatrix Naturae -- The Healing Power of Nature
  The human body possesses the inherent ability to restore health. The doctor's role is to facilitate this process with the aid of natural, nontoxic therapies.
• Tolle Causam -- Treat the Cause
  Naturopathic doctors seek and treat the underlying cause of a disease. Symptoms are viewed as expressions of the body's natural attempt to heal. The origin of disease is removed or treated so the patient can recover.
• Tolle Totum -- Treat the Whole Person
  The multiple factors in health and disease are considered while treating the whole person. Naturopathic doctors provide flexible treatment programs to meet individual health care needs.
• Docere - Doctor as Teacher
  The naturopathic doctor's major role is to educate, empower, and motivate patients to take responsibility for their own health. Creating a healthy cooperative relationship with the patient has a strong therapeutic value.
• Praevenire - Prevention is the best "cure"
  Naturopathic doctors are preventive medicine specialists. They assess patient risk factors and heredity susceptibility and intervene appropriately to reduce risk and prevent illness. Prevention of disease is best accomplished through education and a lifestyle that supports health.